Some people think that people who stutter are less intelligent or socially awkward. Neither is true. National Stuttering Day was set aside to clear up misconceptions like these and raise awareness about stuttering and the issues people who stutter face everyday.

Stuttering affects an estimated three million Americans, including some famous people you may know: Bruce Willis, Winston Churchill, Carly Simon, Joe Biden, and James Earl Jones. Celebrities like Nicholas Brenden and Emily Blunt have spoken out about the struggles they faced with stuttering.

In the October 2008 issue of W magazine that featured a profile on Blunt, the article stated, “There’s an unwritten rule that all beautiful actresses must claim to have been total geeks in high school, whether or not they genuinely were, but Emily Blunt makes a far more convincing case than most. While growing up in a posh suburb of London, Blunt developed a stutter so debilitating that she could barely hold a conversation, let alone elbow her way into the limelight.” Blunt put forth in the article, “I was a smart kid, and had a lot to say, but I just couldn’t say it. It would just haunt me. I never thought I’d be able to sit and talk to someone like I’m talking to you right now.”

Want to do something about stuttering?

• Remember to wear Sea Green clothes or a ribbon on October 22nd to raise awareness about stuttering and the issues people who stutter face everyday. When someone says, "What is the sea green ribbon about?" or they say, "Hey, nice sea green belt and shoes!" you can seize the opportunity to educate them.
• Have an awareness campaign at your school about stuttering. Post signs in high-traffic areas containing some compelling facts and be sure to tell people how they can do something!
• Learn the facts about stuttering and share your new-found knowledge with your friends.
• Join a National Stuttering Association support group.